The Harry Potter book series is the best-selling of all time. It’s crazy to think about how many people have read the books and have seen the Harry Potter movies. Many people travel specifically to Harry Potter destinations in the United Kingdom like the Harry Potter Studio Tour just north of London, Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, or the Harry Potter train in Scotland.
I knew there were a lot of Harry Potter locations in London, but I was surprised to learn there are several places connected to Harry Potter in Porto. Let me explain the connection between Harry Potter and Porto and then share our suggestions for places to include on your Harry Potter Porto tour.
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Harry Potter and Porto
I didnāt even realize until I checked into my hotel that Porto and Harry Potter have a connection. Diogo, who works at the front desk at the Grand Hotel Porto, where I was staying, told me that JK Rowling actually was living here teaching English when she started writing the books. It was a dark and painful period of her life as her mother had passed away and her house was burgarlized just before she moved.
It’s understandable she rarely talks about her time in Porto. For this reason, itās hard to know for sure exactly which elements of the Harry Potter saga were inspired by her experiences in Porto. Even if it is debatable about how much Porto influenced the Harry Potter books, it is interesting to visit the sights.
Note: Harry Potter was never filmed in Porto.
Doing a Harry Potter Porto Tour
There are a few places that Harry Potter fans must see in Porto. These locations are in the Porto city center and are within walking distance of each other.
You can visit these spots on your own, like we did, or take a Porto Harry Potter tour with a local expert like this one.
Harry Potter Porto Spot #1: Majestic Cafe
The Majestic CafĆ©, where it is rumored that JK Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book, was less than a block from our hotel. Many experts donāt believe that she started writing the books at the cafĆ© mainly because it is an expensive place. Itās possible that she visited the Majestic CafĆ© Porto and may have worked on the book there for a while, but itās not the kind of place you would sit for hours and write.
Majestic Cafe opened it’s doors as the Elite Cafe back in 1921. The beautiful Art Nouveau style building was designed by the architect JoĆ£o Queiroz.
The most influential figures in Porto became regulars at the cafe. The Elite Cafe name did not fit in well with the atmosphere at the time in Porto because of sentiments with the monarchy, so the name was changed to Majestic Cafe.
A glimpse inside the Majestic Cafe. Can you picture JK Rowling writing Harry Potter here?
From 1992-1994, the Majestic Cafe was closed for restoration. Today, after nearly 100 years, it is still popular and stands as one of the most beautiful examples of Art Nouveau in Porto.
Like a lot of other Harry Potter fans, I took a picture outside. Then, I peeked inside the cafe. It looked like a fancy place with lovely woodwork. When we stopped by around 10 am on a Wednesday, there was no wait, but we had already eaten a lovely (and filling) breakfast at the Grande Hotel Porto.
I have read that there can be long lines, so you may have to wait depending on the time you arrive. They are open from 9:30 am to midnight, Monday through Saturday.
Majestic Cafe Address: Rua Santa Catarina 112
Anisa in front of the Majestic Cafe in Porto.
Harry Potter Porto Spot #2: Livraria Lello
Livraria Lello is another Harry Potter Porto location. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful bookstores in Portugal, some might say in the world.
The Lello brothers opened the Porto bookstore in 1906! The outside faƧade is a neo-gothic style with figures representing art and science. The interior was designed by Xavier Esteves and is even more impressive.
The stunning staircase inside Livraria Lello.
JK Rowling frequented the Porto bookstore and rumor has it that the staircase inspired the staircases at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. However, that is debatable because in Hogwarts the flights of stairs are straight, while Lelloās are round. You can imagine the Livraria Lello inspiring her though. It is atmospheric and just the kind of location that would fit in the Harry Potter world.
In addition to checking out the staircase, be sure to look up to admire the ceiling. Many people think it is carved wood, but it is actually painted plaster.
We arrived at the Lello bookstore just before it opened at 10 am and found a line at least a block long. I should have expected something tied to Harry Potter would be popular!
Unfortunately, we did not have time to join the line to go inside the Porto library. I could peer through the window and see the staircase. If you would like to go inside the Harry Potter bookstore, I would recommend buying a ticket online in advance. You can buy a time-entry ticket for ā¬5.00.
Alternatively, you could do this walking tour of top Porto monuments that also includes skip the line entry to the Lello bookstore.
Livraria Lello Address: Rua das Carmelitas 144
Harry Potter Porto Spot #3: Porto University
Porto University is one of the oldest and most significant universities in Portugal and is located in a beautiful building. Some people believe that the Hogwarts uniforms that the children wear are modeled after the ones from Porto University.
The uniform for Porto University students is black pants or skirts and knee-length capes draped around their shoulders. The cape is supposed to be similar to the Harry Potter school uniform. We walked by the building but didnāt catch a glimpse of any students in uniform.
Note: Christ Church College in Oxford also played a role in the Harry Potter films.
Porto University Address: PraƧa de Gomes Teixeira
Whether or not the fountain is a Harry Potter inspiration, it’s still worth a visit.
Harry Potter Porto Spot #4: Fonte dos LeƵes
Also, in Gomes Teixeira Square, you will find Fonte dos LeƵes or in English, the Fountain of the Lions. Some think that this fountain inspired the Gryffindor crest. I’m not sure if that’s true because the lions on the Gryffindor crest don’t have wings like the ones on the fountain. Still, I think the sculptures on the fountain make it worthwhile to visit.
Fonte dos LeƵes Address: PraƧa de Gomes Teixeira 10
Harry Potter Porto Spot #5: Torre dos ClƩrigos
The Torre dos ClĆ©rigos, or Clergymenās Tower, is a beautiful church tower best known for it’s views of Porto, but some people think it was the inspiration for the Astronomy Tower at Hogwarts. It was in the Battle of the Astronomy Tower that Severus Snape killed Professor Dumbledore, on Dumbledoreās own orders.
Personally, I don’t see much of a resemblance between the two besides the fact that they are both tall. Maybe when you visit, you will spot something I missed? Worst case you can enjoy the spectacular views.
It’s 240 steps up the narrow staircase to get to the viewing platform. There is an elevator available for those with mobility constraints. The Tower is open from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm and it costs ā¬5 (you can get a 50% discount if you have the Porto Card). Before 7:00 pm your admission includes a visit to the ClĆ©rigos Museum.
Torre dos ClĆ©rigos Address: Rua de SĆ£o Filipe de Nery
Did the Clerigos Tower inspire JK Rowling’s Astronomy Tower at Hogwarts?
Harry Potter Porto Spot #6: Jardins do PalƔcio de Cristal
The Jardins do PalƔcio de Cristal is actually a mosaic of small gardens with stunning views of the city and Douro River. Some people think these gardens inspired the Forbidden Forest, a place that was strictly off-limits for Hogwarts students.
I am not sure I believe the Jardins do PalƔcio de Cristal inspired the Forbidden Forest because these gardens are so well-manicured while the forest was overgrown. Still, there is something a bit enchanting about the gardens. You will see some exotic plants and maybe even a peacock. I like the themes of some of the areas like Jardim dos Sentimentos (Garden of Feelings) and Jardim das Plantas Aromaticas (Garden of Aromatic Plants).
Jardins do PalƔcio de Cristal Address: Rua de Dom Manuel II
Where to Stay in Porto
When you go to Porto, you will have to fit in seeing these Harry Potter locations along with all the other things to do there. The Grande Hotel Porto is ideal for this.
It is centrally located, a block from the market where we started our Porto food tour and close to one of the main Harry Potter locations (Cafe Majestic). The perfect home base for sightseeing generally. After all, if youāre chasing Harry Potter in Porto, why not stay in a beautiful period hotel at the same time?
Our bed was very comfortable!
The Grande Hotel Porto is the second oldest hotel in Porto and has a proud history. This is apparent as soon as you step through the door. The lobby area feels very elegant with beautiful period furniture and this continues throughout the hotel. The dining area is beautiful and our room was very comfortable and nicely decorated with classic pieces. The service at the hotel stood out, everyone was so nice and helpful.
You can read more reviews of the Grande Hotel Porto on Tripadvisor here.
I loved the decor in the lobby.
Another Link Between Harry Potter and Portugal
JK Rowling did confirm that Salazar Slytherin, one of the four founders of Hogwarts and the namesake of Slytherin House, was named after AntĆ³nio de Oliveira Salazar, the dictator who ruled Portugal from 1932 to 1968. The Slytherin founder wanted to ban all Muggle-born wizards and witches from Hogwart which is not too far off from some of the dictator’s policies.
Are you a Harry Potter fan? Then you need to visit Porto for yourself.
Have you visited any locations that have influenced the places in Harry Potter? Do you think Porto was a big Harry Potter inspiration?
-Anisa
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Expert Tips for Seeing Harry Potter Sights in Porto Portugal
- You can do your own Porto Harry Potter tour since the locations are all within walking distance of the city center.
- Buy your tickets to visit the bookstore in advance!
- If you plan on eating at Cafe Majestic in Porto, I would recommend going at off hours to avoid a long wait.
- Keep an eye out for Porto University students in uniforms that look like the Harry Potter Hogwarts uniform.
- You should also make sure you do some port tasting while you are visiting Porto.
Disclosure: We were guests of the Grande Hotel Porto. As always, all opinions are my own.
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Last Updated on May 11, 2023
I love all things Harry Potter and I’ve now been to the Warner Brothers Studio Tour, The Making of Harry Potter, near London, 3 times. I once got a text from my guy, Neill, saying ‘I’m hoovering Hogwarts’. He was helping get the exhibition ready before its first opening. What amazed me the most was the detailed drawings they work from to make the models of buildings like Hogwarts. I wouldnt have actually noticed but in each film it’s a little different and Neill built an extra tower that was added in one of the films towards the end. It was fabulous to see it at the exhibition.
Kat – Wow you really are a big fan. It would be so interesting to see those drawings!
I had no idea about the Harry Potter link! Yet another reason to visit Porto!
Katie – Yes, so many reasons to visit Porto. Will be sharing more in future blog posts.
I will be travelling to Portugal in mid-Sept and lately I have been seeing a lot of posts on that bookshop in Porto. I’m a huge Harry Porter fan but am not sure if payment of 5.50 and long queue to get into the bookshop is worth it?? š #TheWeeklyPostcard
Kat – From what I could see it did look really nice inside. I think once the doors open the line moves fast because the tickets are for a timed entry. If I were to go back to Porto I would get a ticket, but I can see your point.
I’ve visited Porto before but had no idea about the Harry Potter connections! Thanks for sharing – the book shop sounds wonderful.
You are welcome! Happy to share
Wow I was in Porto last year and I didnt know about this places. Shame on me that i didnt found out… #TheWeeklyPostcard
Tomas – I think a lot of people don’t know about it, so don’t be too hard on yourself. You will just have to go back.
Ah funny, I was just watching Harry potter last night. Really interesting article, I hadn’t heard of previously. I can’t imagine her spending the entire time writing in the cafe either, maybe she just went for breaks!!
Becky – Yes I think that may have been the case.
Woah, you can pay for a ticket for a book store?! That’s really weird lol, especially as a lot of the places in the UK that get super busy for their HP connections don’t do anything like that. I’d never heard of any of these places actually!
Clazz – Yes that is what it has come to. I think it is a recent change but there were plenty of people willing to pay!
Harry Potter or not, Livraria Lello is gorgeous, I loved it there. I went early in the morning when there were very few tourists (it was also pouring outside) and I had the whole place almost to myself š
Vlad – Wow you were lucky! I was really surprise how long the line was! Glad to hear that you loved it.
I had no idea that Porto was a movie location for the Harry Potter movies, but I am not surprised. Many European location have been used for making great movies (The Game of Thrones comes to mind). The decor in the lobby of the Grande Hotel Porto looks really beautiful. I’d love to visit Portugal someday.
Anda – Porto is not a movie location but since JK Rowling lived in Porto there are spots that are rumored to inspire the books. Portugal is really a lovely country.
This is a cool post! A lot of people write post about Harry Potter location son London or Edinburgh. It is the first time I here about sites in Porto. I knew the library was an inspiration but didn’t know about the other two places. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks Ruth, yes it is definitely less known. Glad you enjoyed the post.
I loved the Harry Potter books, canĀ“t believe itĀ“s been ages since the first book – I was in school back then. I still enjoy watching the Harry Potter movies every once in a while! I knew JK Rowling lived in Portugal, but I didnĀ“t know about these sites (and didnĀ“t realize she wrote the book in Portugal, she obviously got inspired daily by this city) – it all looks so interesting! IĀ“ve completely missed these places when in Porto. Loved your article – would definitely visit them if in Porto again.
Thanks so much Anna. I hope you get the chance to go back to Porto its such a lovely city!
I went to Porto recently and had no idea about the connection before that! I absolutely loved Porto though, I so want to go back!
Sonja – I had no idea either. I want to go back to Porto too. Glad I could give you another reason to add to the list.
I had no idea that Portugal had any connection at all to Harry Potter. That facade of the Livraria Lello is so pretty, that I’m sure some part of the architecture must have stuck in Rowling’s mind and made its way into one of here stories. Personally, sitting in a little cafe like the Majestic and writing sounds like the perfect way to spend a few hours (except for the price).
Michele – Thank you. Its funny I never work in cafes, usually home or office.
We’re big Harry Potter fans and have done the UK attractions. I have heard of these Porto attractions and it’s great to see a little more details about them. We only went as far as Lisbon last year and this now makes me wish we made the trek to Porto. Even without the Harry Potter connection, that bookstore looks beautiful.
Mary – Yes I highly recommend visiting Porto. There is so much to see besides just these places that are connected to Harry Potter.
How fun! Our youngest is a huge Potterhead, and will be in Europe next month. We’ll have to send this to her so she can go see them! Which, of course, will make us very jealous as we won’t be anywhere near Porto for a while. š Thanks for sharing though!
Thanks glad you guys liked it. Hope she gets a chance to go to Porto (and I hope you guys do too someday!).
Last year, I visited Porto and wasn’t aware of these places. The Harry Potter connection made me curious because I’ve already visited Porto. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed the post. I hope you can make it back to Porto to see these sites.
Hi Anisa, thank you for your insightful post, we are here in Porto now and have just booked to visit the book store on Monday as we walked around yesterday and couldnāt find it, booking online gets you a time slot so hopefully we wonāt have to queue, Thanks again for the post š Mike
So glad you enjoyed the post and enjoy Lello on Monday.